Abstract: A space vehicle may have a modular board configuration that commonly uses some or all components and a common operating system for at least some of the boards. Each modular board may have its own dedicated processing, and processing loads may be distributed. The space vehicle may be reprogrammable, and may be launched without code that enables all functionality and/or components. Code errors may be detected and the space vehicle may be reset to a working code version to prevent system failure.

Abstract: A field unit and ground station may use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and share a common architecture, where differences in functionality are governed by software. The field units and ground stations may be easy to deploy, relatively inexpensive, and be relatively easy to operate. A novel file system may be used where datagrams of a file may be stored across multiple drives and/or devices. The datagrams may be received out of order and reassembled at the receiving device.

Abstract: A space vehicle may have a modular board configuration that commonly uses some or all components and a common operating system for at least some of the boards. Each modular board may have its own dedicated processing, and processing loads may be distributed. The space vehicle may be reprogrammable, and may be launched without code that enables all functionality and/or components. Code errors may be detected and the space vehicle may be reset to a working code version to prevent system failure.

Abstract: A field unit and ground station may use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and share a common architecture, where differences in functionality are governed by software. The field units and ground stations may be easy to deploy, relatively inexpensive, and be relatively easy to operate. A novel file system may be used where datagrams of a file may be stored across multiple drives and/or devices. The datagrams may be received out of order and reassembled at the receiving device.

Abstract: A space vehicle may have a modular board configuration that commonly uses some or all components and a common operating system for at least some of the boards. Each modular board may have its own dedicated processing, and processing loads may be distributed. The space vehicle may be reprogrammable, and may be launched without code that enables all functionality and/or components. Code errors may be detected and the space vehicle may be reset to a working code version to prevent system failure.

Abstract: A field unit and ground station may use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and share a common architecture, where differences in functionality are governed by software. The field units and ground stations may be easy to deploy, relatively inexpensive, and be relatively easy to operate. A novel file system may be used where datagrams of a file may be stored across multiple drives and/or devices. The datagrams may be received out of order and reassembled at the receiving device.

Abstract: An axle bearing suspension system and method has a pair of elongated beams having an upper section and lower section with T-shaped cross sections. The T-shaped cross sections are welded together to form beams having an I-beam cross section. The beams have attachment portions which are preferably arc shaped cylindrical portions for fixing the beams to the axle with the upper section being welded to an upper part of the axle and the lower section being welded to a lower part of the axle.

Abstract: An axle bearing suspension system and method has a pair of elongated beams having an upper section and lower section with T-shaped cross sections. The T-shaped cross sections are welded together to form beams having an I-beam cross section. The beams have attachment portions which are preferably arc shaped cylindrical portions for fixing the beams to the axle with the upper section being welded to an upper part of the axle and the lower section being welded to a lower part of the axle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for forming coreless paper rolls. The apparatus includes an expansible mandrel that can be used in conjunction with an existing rewinder. The mandrel is segmented, with the segments expanding when the mandrel is loaded into the rewinder. While in the rewinder, a web of material, such as the type used to form register receipt rolls, is wound upon the mandrel. After a sufficient amount of material has been taken up, the mandrel is removed from the rewinder. Upon removal, the segments contract whereby the cross section of the mandrel is reduced and the roll can be removed. The result is a coreless roll of material.

Abstract: A trailer having an endless conveyor is provided. The trailer comprises a support frame, and a load supporting floor having opposed first and second ends, the floor being disposed above the support frame. A pair of opposed sidewalls extend upwardly from lateral sides of the floor. A first roller positioned towards the first end of the floor and a second roller positioned towards the second end of the floor. An endless belt extends about the floor and the first and second rollers such that an upper portion of the belt passes over the floor and a lower portion of the belt extends below the floor. The belt has sufficient elasticity to frictionally engage the first and second rollers. A drive mechanism is coupled to the first roller for rotating the first roller and causing travel of the belt. A tensioning mechanism for maintaining a relatively constant belt tension during travel of the belt is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a risk management tool and method for creating an improved initial risk management process that captures, assesses, and prioritizes risks and implements mitigation plans to more effectively manage risk in large-scale development projects. A web-based system allows users and management to share and access risk information to more readily identify and assess risks, develop mitigation plans and track the risk management process. The tool and specifically the Pf and Cf tables are tailored to each project to more accurately calculate and prioritize risk factors RF and thus anticipate and minimize or eliminate risks before they occur. The demonstrated value of the tool is found in timely deliveries and a reduction of cost overruns as well as an increase in customer enhanced award fees.

Abstract: A winding machine can wind webs into a plurality of rolls at spaced positions. The machine has a winding roll assembly including a winding roll support and driver. A rider support supports a plurality of rider rollers at and between the spaced winding positions, without projecting between the rider rollers. Some of the rider rollers can contact the rolls. Each of the rider rollers has encircling the rider support a rim wheel with a member. The member is selectively operable to interlock and move together with an adjacent one of the rim wheels. Rider rollers at the spaced winding positions can be pressed in a common direction toward the rolls to limit air entrapment. At least one adjacent pair of the rider rollers at the edge of a roll can be linked together in order to move in unison.

Abstract: A plurality of core mounting outer ring members are each rotationally slidably mounted on a corresponding inner ring member having cam surfaces in the outer surface. A rotating drive shaft has radial pistons and rotates the inner ring member by frictional engagement of the pistons displaced by an inflatable bladder. A plurality of strips in one embodiment are between the bladder and the pistons for providing increased torque on the inner ring member. The outer ring member has a first annular array of bores with core gripping balls resiliently urged radially outwardly to grip a core receiving a winding strip thereabout. A second array of bores in the outer member receive larger core gripping balls which freely displace in the bores. Ramp camming grooves are in the outer surface of the inner ring member, the larger gripping balls are engaged with the grooves and are forced into gripping engagement with the received core when the inner ring member is rotated.

Abstract: A plurality of core mounting outer ring members are each rotationally slidably mounted on a corresponding inner ring member having cam surfaces in the outer surface. A rotating drive shaft has radial pistons and rotates the inner ring member by frictional engagement of the pistons displaced by an inflatable bladder. The outer ring member has a first annular array of bores with core gripping balls resiliently urged radially outwardly to grip a core receiving a winding strip thereabout. A second array of bores in the outer member receive larger core gripping balls which freely displace in the bores. Ramp camming grooves are in the outer surface of the inner ring members, the larger gripping balls engaged with the grooves and forced into gripping engagement with the received core when the inner ring member is rotated. The spring loaded balls provide initial friction load between the core and outer ring members so that the ramp balls can operate to grip the core upon rotation of the inner ring member.

Abstract: A plurality of core mounting outer ring members are each rotationally slidably mounted on a corresponding inner ring member having cam surfaces in the outer surface. A rotating drive shaft has radial pistons and rotates the inner ring member by frictional engagement of the pistons displaced by an inflatable bladder. A pluraltiy of strips in one embodiment are between the bladder and teh pistons for providing increased torque on the inner ring member. The outer ring member has a first annular array of bores with core gripping balls resiliently urged radially outwardly to grip a core receiving a winding strip thereabout. A second array of bores in the outer member receive larger core gripping balls which freely displace in the bores. Ramp camming grooves are in the outer surface of the inner ring member, the larger gripping balls are engaged with the grooves and are forced into gripping engagement with the received core when the inner ring member is rotated.

Abstract: A rewinder for rewinding a web into one or more rolls on separate cores, includes at least one rewinding mandrel having a distal end. The rewinder also has a supply device for supplying the web to the rewinding mandrel, and a drive device. The drive device can (a) rotate the rewinding mandrel in order to wind at least a portion of the web onto the rewinding mandrel, and (b) axially retract the mandrel to unload the portion of the web wound on the mandrel. Also included is a holder for holding the one or more rolls. The rewinder also has a lifter for (a) raising the holder to support the portion of the web wound on the mandrel, and (b) lowering the holder. This rewinding mandrel is rotated in order to wind at least a portion of the web onto the rewinding mandrel. The holder is then raised to support the portion of the web wound on the mandrel. Next, the mandrel is axially retracted to unload the portion of the web wound on the mandrel, before lowering the holder.